In the Gospel narratives, Jesus often used parables to illustrate his teaching. As figurative language, they are used to convey deeper truths. Parables typically employ everyday situations and characters, prompting us to reflect on their relevance to our lives. As we approach Christmas, I would like to reflect today on the parable of Ten Virgins (though not today’s Gospel) which Jesus uses to illustrate preparedness for the Kingdom of heaven. Thus, Jesus’ narration takes us to the context of celebration, of joy. Let us see how the story unfolds and what it teaches us.
Jesus describes ten virgins invited to meet a bridegroom. But why 10 Virgins and not less nor more? The number ten, significant in the first covenant, symbolizes completeness and a period of testing, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the “ten days” of persecution in Revelation 2:10. Thus, the ten virgins metaphorically represent humanity’s invitation to prepare for Christ’s return, with their lamps signifying readiness for a possibly lengthy wait. What does the parable say about their preparedness for this great event?
The Narrative Divides the Virgins into Two Groups
Five are wise, and five are foolish. The distinction lies in their preparedness; the foolish did not bring extra oil, focusing only on immediate realities, while the wise brought extra oil, symbolizing foresight, and diligence. In the Old Testament, oil was used for anointing kings, setting them apart for God’s mission. It was the case for Saul’s anointing by Samuel; it was also the case for David and Solomon. Similarly, we are anointed in baptism and confirmation, set aside for a divine purpose. In this context, the extra oil represents wisdom and spiritual nourishment, essential for maintaining our inner flame even in challenging times, moments of spiritual tiredness, discouragements.
This Parable Highlights Human Frailty and the Necessity of Spiritual Vigilance
The parable says that “Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep!” It is vital to note this reality. By underlining this collective drowsiness, the parable demonstrates our propensity to become spiritually lethargic due to various life challenges: spiritual dryness, desolation, unresolved guilt, and wounds that trouble our soul, exhaustion, worldly distractions, health problems, and many other reasons. This acknowledgment encourages us to remain vigilant in our faith, despite occasional drifts from spiritual and religious commitments.
Faced With These Challenges, We Need Preparation and Readiness
The difference between the wise and foolish virgins lies in their preparedness, emphasized by their readiness with extra oil. This readiness is not just about being prepared for an unspecified time but signifies the importance of spiritual vigilance in our Christian lives, cultivated through prayer and good deeds.
The Parable Also Stresses the Interplay of Grace and Personal Responsibility
While God’s grace invites the entire humanity to salvation, our response necessitates personal responsibility. The foolish virgins’ realization of their unpreparedness and the subsequent closing of the door when they go to buy oil serves as a powerful reminder of our personal spiritual journey. While we can gain inspiration, guidance, and help from others, the oil of wisdom and faith is not transferable; it cannot be shared with others. It must be nurtured through personal faith experiences, prayers, reflections, and acts of charity. Maintaining our faith’s light requires continual spiritual exercises and regular contact with the Word of God.
Jesus’ parable concludes with an exhortation to vigilance and the importance of possessing extra oil of divine wisdom and faith. This message urges us to always seek divine wisdom and keep our inner flame alive, ensuring readiness for Christ’s coming and participation in God’s eternal banquet of love. May the teachings of Jesus in this parable be a lamp guiding us in our daily lives in this Advent towards the celebration of Christmas.
Sir! Would you like to explain who called out to the virgin that the bridegroom is here ? What does it mean?
I still don’t understand what is meant by the virgins that ran out of oil. They were not allowed in to the marriage supper of the lamb. That doesn’t sound encouraging. Were they in a back slidden, luke warm state that is unacceptable to our Lord?
Dear Mark, thank you for your thoughtful question.
You’re right to sense that this parable is both beautiful and challenging. The image of the five virgins being shut out can feel unsettling at first, but it’s not meant to discourage. Rather, it serves as a spiritual wake-up call, an invitation to vigilance and personal responsibility in our walk with the Lord.
In the parable, oil represents more than just a physical item. It symbolizes a personal, cultivated relationship with God, nurtured through prayer, obedience, and act of love. The “extra oil” suggests a dept of preparation that goes beyond surface-level faith, a life formed in trust, perseverance, total surrender to God’s will in our lives and communion with God, even when the wait is long and difficult.
The virgins who ran out of oil were not necessarily “backslidden” in a moral sense, but they were unprepared, perhaps distracted, complacent, or content with minimal effort. Jesus’ point is not to condemn them, but to show that spiritual readiness is not something we can borrow at the last minute. The oil of inner conversion cannot be shared; it must be lived out daily.
So, rather than seeing the parable as excluding certain people, we can read it as Jesus’ urgent call to all of us: “Stay awake, be ready, don’t delay the things that truly matter.” It’s a loving warning of the consequences of delay in responding to divine grace.
The door closing in the story highlights a reality we sometimes forget: our earthly time is limited. But the Gospel always invites us now, to deepen our faith, renew our hearts, and let the Holy Spirit fill our lamps with the oil of wisdom, love, and trust in God.
Thanks for this.
I really get these explanations very well. May God give you more knowledge and more grace in Jesus name (Amen)
Inspired by this comment. Thank you
Dear Bolly, thank you for taking the time to read my reflection and for your kind words. I’m glad it resonated with you. This message holds timeless wisdom, especially in its call for Spiritual Vigilance and personal responsibility in nurturing our faith. The idea of maintaining our “inner flame” despite life’s challenges feels especially as we prepare our hearts during this Advent season.
Warmest regards !
Alexius.
Right on. This morning in my prayer time and devotional. I started to read Matthew 25. The Holy Spirit was reminding me I always go through fire of adversity. Fire sees who I am, it burns the chaff,
I just turned 77. Been saved for 51 years. Got saved five days before marriage, The first 25 years I did like what I was going through. I was sharing and living my faith in a toxic work place. I lead and deciple two people at work. I was the most hated person at work. But I didn’t give up.
Then I hit bottom 1995. I got very sick and was taken out of work. Three times that year I got on my knees. Crying to God that I service him no matter what.
Another point about Matthew 25. God is inspiring me to create art paintings to reach the viewer. He is also reaching me.
My lamp is always full. But I am want to be example to those around me to seek God, read his word and pray
Another one telling us we are frail. Sorry I don’t buy it anymore. Jesus is the supreme example. What I have done, you can do. That remembering your divinity
Thank you so much, Fr. Alex for your explanation on the Parable of the ten Virgins. You actually explained it vividly to be clearly understood. But my question is this: possessing extra oil indicates divine wisdom. Is there any difference between when God endows a person with ‘Wisdom’ and when God endows a person with ‘divine Wisdom’? Is Wisdom not the same as divine wisdom? Thank you
Dear Stephen Nwachukwu, Thank you for the kind words!
In the Scripture, all true wisdom comes from God: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10). We often use ‘wisdom’ to mean human prudence or life experience. ‘Divine wisdom’ refers to the Holy Spirit’s gift that lets us see and love things as God does (Isaiah 11:2; 1 Corinthians 1:24). The difference is the source and aim: human wisdom helps us manage life; divine wisdom conforms us to Christ who is the “Power and Wisdom of God.” So, if we want to understand “divine wisdom”, we should look unto Christ.
Finally, in the parable, the extra oil is not just about clever planning. It points to a steady interior life, faith, hope, and charity, kept burning by prayer, God’s Word, and the sacraments. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God’ (James 1:5). That is the oil that last and keeps us ready for the Bridegroom. God bless you !